Puppy Love ❤

Life around here has been eventful to say the least.  It all began with one word....

Easton

This was a sunny day in March when we brought him home from  Hopes Haven.  He wasted no time in stealing our hearts.  He was so little then, not even eight pounds.  Such a sweet baby!

At first, I reverted back to feeling like a first time mom.  I worried about everything...and I mean everything.  Was he getting enough sleep, was he getting too much sleep, was he eating enough, was he drinking enough, did he have to go potty, does he have to go potty again?

It was easier and calmer then...he didn't take long to turn into a little bundle of energy.

Now he is a toddler.  A 50+ pound toddler.  Thank God his puppy teeth are gone!  He quickly decided we are his personal chew toys and we should like it!  Who needs toys when you have five people who taste so good?  Yes, we have a lot to teach him!

But look at this face....he didn't do it!

Hindsight

It is said that 'Hindsight is 20/20'...

Rewind back to January 2012:
Groupon had a paintball promotion.  Live-In #2 had a birthday.  In a moment of what I thought was pure brilliance, I decided to buy admission for the whole family to go paint balling as part of live-in #2's birthday gifts. Live-In #2 opened the gift and was tentatively excited.  Live-In #1 looked at me like I had snakes for hair and asked me if I knew what paint balling was.  It was at this point that I began to wonder if this was really such a good idea...

Fast Forward to February 2012:
We have had cabin fever lately.  This is that odd time of year where the holiday hustle and bustle is over, baseball has not yet started and summer is sadly too far off to think about.  The other day when we needed something to do (other than things that needed to be done...like clean the house, clean the yard, etc) Lover remembered we had the paint ball vouchers....

I called the paint ball company where we were to go play to ask them about attire and began to become greatly concerned when the nice man who answered the phone told me to 'wear layers'.  Huh?   So I dutifully told my live-ins to layer it up and they did so in a very efficient manner.  I, on the other hand, did not heed my warning seriously enough.  Trying to wear older clothes in case they got ruined, I put on a long sleeve (way to thin) shirt and a fleece sweatshirt. Before leaving the house I considered the v-neck in my fleece sweatshirt, but foolishly decided it would be ok.

That would be my mistake...

My family and I carefully watched the tutorial video on 'what not to do' in the arena.  I took great care in making sure my live-ins understood the rules so they wouldn't get hurt.  We recieved our masks, paint and paintball guns and were ready to play.

First, I must say while the masks were itchy and annoying, they were my new best friend in round one.  Within  a minute into the first round I was shot in the mask and could only see out of one eye.  This did not hurt.

In round two I learned from the mistakes I made in round one and kept better cover.  Live-in #1 made it about 1/2 way through the round and then got shot.  She was out.  That left me to protect Live-In #3 who was hiding behind me.  My team was dropping like flies and the round was almost over when I got my first real piece of the action.  I caught an unsuspecting opponent off guard and sent him on his way (I think) and I had my sights set on another opponent.  The problem was he had his eye set on me AND was a better aim than I was.  As I was firing off several paint rounds, feeling ever so empowered...I suddenly feel it...

I'd been shot...only everything was happening in slow motion.  I felt myself jerking as one would in a Hollywood movie when they are shot.  I tasted paint spatter... I felt pain...I had to remind myself to breathe...  When I finally got my wits I heard myself yell 'I'm Out' and desperately try to remember what I told my live-ins they had to remember about exiting the arena.  Luckily I made it out...with live-in #3 hot on my heels.

When Lover saw me he said whoever shot me was a good shot...one to the head and one to the heart.  This may be a good time to remind you that I was wearing a v-neck fleece.

So it is true...Hindsight is 20/20...and next time I will definitely wear more layers!

Back to School - Boys vs. Girls

My first child was a girl.  When we found out our second child would be a boy my mother told me I would notice a difference in the way a baby boy cried vs. a baby girl.  She even told me that my sister had called her and told her she was right about this.  I never noticed it.

Fast forward to now and I am noticing a big difference between my girl and my boys...this is not a personality difference, it is definitely gender difference.

Last week my sweet live-ins started school.  At the end of each of their days I ask them how their days went, what was their favorite thing, do they like their teacher, what they played on the playground, did they eat all their lunch, etc...

My sweet girl is happy to tell me all about her day, in colorful, vivid detail.  A moment by moment recollection.  When I ask her questions she answers happily and thoroughly.  This process takes quite a while.  Just when I think I have heard it all, we have dinner and I hear it all again and then some.

In contrast, trying to get any information out of my boys about their day is like trying to pull teeth with no hands.  This is how this conversation usually sounds:

How was your day? Fine
Do you like your teacher? Yes
What was your favorite part of the day? Recess
You can't pick recess.  Then nothing.
What did you learn? Nothing
Did you do math?

It is a this point that Live-In #2 pretty much stops answering and Live-In #3 makes a loud sound of frustration.  This is when I realize I like all the colorful vivid detail.  I am used to 13 years of colorful vivid detail. But, my precious boys are not going to give it to me.

I can sum it all up...My girl is her mother's daughter and my boys are their father's sons.

Military School???

This was an actual conversation at my house last night as we talked about 'Back to School'...

Me:  When I was your ages I looked forward to going back to school because by the end of summer I was bored.

Live In #3:  (incredulous look) Did you have a boat?

Me:  No.

Live In #3: (horrified look) Did you have a DS?

Me:  No.

Live In #2:  I like school, but it is too long, when you get home from school you only have like 5 hours until bed time.

Life In #3:  Yeah, we basically get home for dinner and bed.

Live In #1:  (thinking she will help with perspective) Maybe you should send them to boarding school.

Live In #2: (not knowing what boarding school is, but thinking it sounded no good) Maybe you should send HER to Military school.

Live In #3:  Yeah, then they could shave her head.

The End.

I had a ball Friday, Saturday and Sunday...but it's all over now and it sure is Monday!

After a weekend filled with sun, baseball, sun, baseball, sun and oh yes baseball...I must be feeling a little put out that it is now Monday...

It was another one of those mornings where I literally had to peel myself off my soft sheets so I could stumble downstairs with my eyes still closed to make myself breakfast because my stomach was yelling at me that my dinner last night (chips, salsa & strawberries) was unacceptable.

Once this was all said and done it was time to head out to take Live-In #1 to school.  As I turned the key I heard beeping reminding me for the 4 millionth time that I was low on gas...my gas tank could not be ignored any longer.  So after dropping off my precious #1 child I stopped by the gas station, thinking it wouldn't take long as only 2 of the 12 pumps were in use.  I parked, dutifully turned off my engine and waited......and waited....and waited...and waited....and waited....(many more 'waited' are warranted here but I don't want you to begin feeling the emotions that were evoked in me this morning).

I finally located the gas station attendant - he was refueling a couple commercial vehicles and writing stuff down on a clip board, but at least I knew he saw me.  So I continued to be patient and wait.  Meantime, three more vehicles pulled into the gas station and waited.  After close to10 minutes of waiting, the commercial trucks finally pulled away and I thought 'Ok, my turn'...

Nope!  The gas station attendant proceeded to the 4th arrival and then the 3rd arrival.  By this point my blood was boiling, my hair was standing on end like I had just touched an electrical outlet and my head was spinning uncontrollably.  So as he approached the 2nd arrival, ignoring me altogether, I snapped - no longer was my hair standing on end...it had turned to snakes...I was Medusa!!  Live-In #2 & Live-In #3 sank down in their seats trying not to be seen as I exited my vehicle an began yelling at the idiot gas station attendant.  I am sure if he knew Medusa had been waiting on him he would have come to see me first, but he was in his own little idiot world.  He must not have understood the seriousness of the situation at hand because he gave me a shrug and said 'sorry' in a NOT sorry voice.

Since I floated into the gas station on a fume, I had no choice but to get some gas from the idiot...so I got $5, which is barely over a gallon, and went on my merry way.  I will NEVER buy gas at that Shell gas station again, not because I don't want them to recognize me as Medusa (I would do it again, only next time I'd want a bat) it is the principal.  He messed with the wrong girl...or maybe the wrong girl on Monday.

The Suns a Coming...

The town I live in is buzzing today...the sun has made an appearance and rumors are flying that the temperature gage may exceed 80 degrees!!  This is big news given the weather conditions of the past year.  BIG indeed!

At my house we aren't sure how to take the news - it feels too good to be true...  Is the weather man teasing us?  Is it possible?  Do we really get to take our toys out and play?  Really???  I'll say it again...Really???

Because if it's true, this is the sight you will see outside my house tomorrow...

Followed promptly by Dinner & Drinks on the River!

Oh how I hope the weather man doesn't screw it up this time!!  

Enjoy the weekend!!

Goodbye May

My Life - May 2011

1. Live-In #1's turned 13!  I can't believe my baby is a teenager!!
2. Completed my 1st 1/2 Marathon - running the whole way!
3. Celebrated Mother's Day and Live-In #1's birthday on the same day.
4. Live-In #1' was in a play 'Check Please'.  She is so talented!
5. Went on another field trip with Live-In #3 - we were rained on but we had fun!
6. Planted my first vegetable garden!
7. Began getting my summer tan on! If the sun won't cooperate I will take matters into my own hands...
8. Live-In #2 introduced me to Sealants...
9. Took off an a weekend getaway for Memorial Day
10. Bought myself a new purse & shoes...this is big for me...I tend to wear the same shoes and use the same purse for years on end...  No shoe/purse fetish here...or is there???

Such is a month in the course of my lifetime. I wouldn't trade a day.  Happy to be the Lover of My Lover and the Mother of my Live-Ins.

My Garden

Last weekend I bought 1 1/2 yards of dirt - well premium bedding mix to be precise - not only did I buy it, but I unloaded it, dumped it, spread it, etc, etc, etc....  This involved a shovel and wheel barrel - yes that is correct I actually wielded these items in my hands.  Oh, did I mention the wheel barrel was broken so I had to wield it with caution?  Yes, it's true.

So what is the big deal?  The big deal is that 'Mama Don't Do Yard Work'.  Since I was a girl I have been squirming my way out of the yard work department.  When my Dad would announce everyone was going to be in the yard working...I would bat my eyes at my Mom and she would get me off the hook...much to the dismay of my siblings - but I felt no remorse.

So what has changed?  Food is involved.  I want a vegetable garden.  I want all the cilantro, tomatoes and jalapeños I can get for my Salsa.  I want to go to my back yard for cucumbers and green beans instead of the grocery store.  I want to shuck corn from my backyard rather then pick through it and fight for the best ears at the grocery store.  I want to look outside and see all this beautiful food growing just for me...and my family.

After spending a small fortune on vegetable and herb starts (I'm not sure I spend that much over the coarse of the summer on regular veggies!), I came home and planted my treasures in the new raised beds Lover made for me.

These are my tomatoes and jalapeños!!!!!

Lover also wanted some hot banana peppers...not sure about those.

I think there is a green pepper in there too.

This is my lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower & strawberries.

(note to self: work on camera skills)

As I knew we would, we bought too much so we had to start planting in the ground.  This is our corn, green onion, more cauliflower & broccoli and a red bell pepper.

This is my green beans and cucumbers!

My herbs are in another planter - I have cilantro, german thyme, basil, chives & flat leaf parsley...mmmmmm!

So this is my new summer project...which may or may not require a green thumb...I hope it is forgiving as I am going to need it!!

Crazy Hair Day

Live-In #2 & Live-In #3 were very excited about school today...it was Crazy Hair Day and they had a plan.  Mohawks!  Sometimes after they have a shower they will fashion their hair in a mohawk which makes them laugh and giggle.  Which in turn makes my heart get all warm and sappy and then all I want to do is kiss their little faces and snuggle them up!

But today was serious business, they were calling for gel.  Thankfully their sister had some and we went to work on creating a mohawk that would stay...

I didn't have the heart to tell them they may get an award for the cutest, sweetest, handsomest boys in school instead of the boys with the craziest hair. 

On another note, look how Live-In #2 has his arms protectively around Live-In #3...good thing I didn't notice it when I took their picture...I would have gone all gooey and sappy on them and they never would have made it to school on time!

Goodbye April

My Life - April 2011

1. Ran in my second 10k - this one was harder than the 1st and more rewarding because I got a medal
2. Baseball Games began - along with injuries & laundry
3. Celebrated Live-In #3's 8th birthday!  I can't believe my baby is growing up so fast!
4. Figured out a few 'new to me' things on The Twitter - still sporting the dazed and confused look though...
5. Went on a field trip with Live-In #2 - this was probably the most interesting field trip I have been on since.........ever.
6. Went on a field trip with Live-In #3 - I felt like a celebrity with all the little girls....cause I was Live-In #3's Mom...
7. Enjoyed Easter brunch with good friends.
8. Felt exhilaration and relief when my sister-in-law announced she was beginning to feel better!
9. Visited Live-In #1's class to view class projects - her classmates gushed that we looked alike...I told them we had never heard that before...
10. Ran 10 miles straight in preparation for an upcoming 1/2 marathon...this kicked my....knees!

Such is a month in the course of my lifetime. I wouldn't trade a day.  Happy to be the Lover of My Lover and the Mother of my Live-Ins.

Fine Print

If Lover and I had wanted a prenup I am sure the fine print of the part I was supposed to have signed would have said - must be able to do laundry...keeping whites white, clothes stain free and in their original size.

His prenup fine print, however, would have read - must accept the laundry you get as 'you get what you get and you don't throw a fit'.

Fortunately for me there was no prenup.  Unfortunately for Lover...he has had to deal with - bleached clothing (even though I don't use bleach, don't ask me how I do this...I have no idea), forever stained clothing, ink stained shirts and shrunken shirts (some of them would probably now fit our live-ins).

I do try to get it right.  I don't mind laundry (except the folding and putting away...that is a drag).  But the washer/dryer and I don't really have a loving relationship to date.

Fast forward to present...I have light colored baseball pants for the first time in my live-ins baseball careers.  Don't ask me how they do it, but they seem to find a way to get grass stains on their pants even if they aren't playing in the grass.  They manage to get dirt embedded into every fiber of their pants...then they hand them to me to 'clean up' as only I can.

Help!  I need a laundry school...

Baseball - Pros & Cons

The Cons of Baseball

Con #1 - Injuries:  My poor baby got hit in the chin by some rookie pitcher!  Oh, that's right - they are all rookie pitchers...ok, I will forgive other boy.  But, look at my poor baby - he took it like a little trooper - wouldn't let mama coddle him...

Con #2 - No Coddling: Whaaa!!!

Con #3 - Late Dinners:  8pm is too late to eat dinner in my opinion, but you gotta do what you gotta do...

Con #4 - Dirt:  My Live-Ins & Lover seem to track in all kinds of dirt.  I had to sit them ALL down and give them a stern lecture about taking their shoes off in the garage...the laundry room is not a mud room - neither is my hallway, front entry, kitchen, family room, etc!

Con #5 - Laundry Hell:  I have my work cut out of me this year. This is the 1st year my Live-Ins have had light colored pants!  AHHHHH!!!

The Pros of Baseball

Pro #1 - The Uniform: - I can't stand it...a boy in uniform is about as cute as they get! It rivals little girls with twirley dresses and bowes in their hair!

Pro #2 - The Dugout:  Enough Said...

Pro #3 - The Side Lines: The best fans...willing to sit out in the rain, cold, sleet and hail...well maybe not all of those, but the fans are great!!

Pro #4 - The Coach:  He is kinda 'HOT' if you ask me!  Hey Coach...will you come home with me??

Pro #5 - The Stance:  Batter Up!

Pro #6 - The Outfield:  That's My Baby

Pro #7 - A Runner on 2nd Base:  That's My Baby!

Pro #8 - Home Plate:  Score!!

Pro #9 - Sportsmanship: - Way to go Team!!

Pro #10 - THE WIN!!!: 12-9, Way to Go Braves!!

Shotgun!

Shotgun! 

This is a new phrase at my house these days.  It started when I realized (or maybe it was when my live-ins realized) that my front seat air bags turn off when Live-In #2 & Live-In #3 sit in the front seat. 

I think this is a rite of passage...I remember fighting with my younger brother about who was going to sit in the front seat and who wasn't...only we weren't fancy with our words we just yelled 'I get the front!'.  I almost feel 8 years old again as I listen to my live-ins negotiate the front seat situation...my competitive side kicks in and I want to join the discussion and argue why I should get shotgun and then I realize I AM in the front!  DARN IT...I miss a good debate...

So far the negotiations aren't too bad, but I can tell it is going to get ugly...it is going to get to the point where I start yelling "Nobody Gets The Front Seat" - not unlike my mother did - eyes bulging, head spinning hair looking like medusa...  That is when my live-ins will look at me and wonder what my problem is... 

You know the look, right?  My live-ins have already perfected it.  It isn't an eye roll (because if it was an eye roll then heads would also roll) but it is a look that is ever so skillfully played out that I start to wonder if I am a little crazy...  They are crafty little people...

So if you see me driving down the road, looking haggard - hair stringy, eyes dialated, a perma-frown - then you will know - SHOTGUN got the better of me!

Goodbye March

My Life - March 2011

1. Ran in my first 10k. (Live-In #1 says I don't run, I 'jog with style')
2. Ran with Live-In #1 in her first 5k.
3. Visited two 'new to me' wineries - one of which I will return to in the summer to enjoy their beautiful view along with their spectacular wine.
4. Started baseball season with Live-In #2 and Live-In #3 - I am a 'Baseball Mom' rather than a soccer mom and I LOVE IT!
5. Survived Spring Break - it was questionable at times.
6. Bought new silverware - my old silverware was very much appreciated hand me downs.  However, I am excited to have something that reflects my taste...and can bring good tastes to my mouth!
7. Went to war with an ant colony...I think I am winning but I'm still not sure!  I am scheming my next covert operation!
8. Accompanied my sister-in-law to her first chemo treatment - thank you Stephanie for letting me be there with you.  I am humbled by your trust and quiet strength.
9. Completed my tax worksheet - hopefully my tax man will be nice to me this year!
10. My blog hit the 1,000 page view mark - only 999 were from me!

Such is a month in the course of my lifetime. I wouldn't trade a day.  Happy to be the Lover of My Lover and the Mother of my Live-Ins.

Death and Taxes...and Salsa

I worked on taxes over the weekend...Oh Joy!  The fact that I did them prior to April 15th is a testament to what I have learned over the years.  I don't know why I procrastinate the way I do, but I do..  So today as I considered this blog, a quote came to mind...

"The only things certain in life are death and taxes." Benjamin Franklin

I used to hear my parents use this phrase.  I probably heard my grandparents use this phrase.  Heck, I am sure I have used this phrase in conversation...  BUT - I don't agree with it...there are a few other things I know I can be certain of in my life...

1. I will always procrastinate when it comes to doing taxes.
2. School mornings will always be chaotic at my house as long as Live-In #2 and Live-In #3 have a say in the matter.
3. My alarm clock will forever annoy my sensitive ears.
4. The first cup of coffee in the morning tastes the best.
5. Laundry is a never ending job.
6. I am in love with my family.
7. Summer is never long enough.
8. I'd rather do the dishes ten times over than mop the floors.
9. Salsa and Chips are the perfect food marriage.
10. Tomorrow has no mistakes in it....yet...

I will stop there...I wouldn't want Ben Franklin to feel bad if he came back and found I blew his theory out of the water... 

Letter to Live-In #1

Dear Live-In #1:

Yesterday I got to run with you in your first 5k.  You were amazing.  I am so proud of you - not for the most obvious reason...you completed the race as you were hoping...Running the whole way!

I am proud of you because I witnessed your strength...your grit....your determination.  I saw you dig down and find the strength to go on when your body did not want to.  I saw you defy your legs, your lungs and your right side by telling them who was boss.  I loved it. I love you!

I hope this will be the first of many times we can run together!

Live-In #1: Finished in top 50% of her age group.  151 of 306!  Congratulations!!

I'm Your Huckleberry

Pill Popping Puppy is 15 years old today!!! 

To celebrate his birthday I thought it would be fun to play a game...

"I'm Your Huckleberry"

Name the person who said it and you know what Pill Popping Puppy's name is...
(for those of you who already know his name, you can't play!  Sorry!  Consolation: if you know his name he loves you and would like you to come over so he can shed on you!)

Mama Don't Do Ants

It has been an eventful morning.  After finally ripping myself off my mattress, I decended to the first floor and stumbled, eyes at half mast, to the kitchen to make myself some strong coffee only to discover my kitchen had been invaded...invaded by ants...

Mama don't do ants.

Suddenly, I was VERY awake...I saw red, my head spun around at least 10 times and fire shot out of my eyes...it was quite a sight!  After I got my head to stop spinning and the smoke detector stopped ringing...I retrieved the Raid and sprayed every inch of my kitchen.  Next, I had to wipe down every surface with a hot as I could stand it wet rag.

As one would imagine I was very cranky and I didn't feel like getting out of my cranky mood...until...

Live-In #2 & Live-In #3 came down for breakfast, tip-toeing around the kitchen so they wouldn't have to witness any head spinning.  As they ate their breakfast I listened to their conversation and could not help but smile...

Apparently there are some substitute teachers out there with some very bad smelling breath - even mints can't help some of these poor souls.  Oh, and guess what day potatoes are afraid of...Friday.  And last, but not least - today is Pill Popping Puppy's 15th birthday!  Live-In #2 suggested we buy him something special to which I replied I will buy him some pain pills for his birthday...he will like those.

Feeling much better now, but then again...I am not in my kitchen at the moment.

Mondayitis [Muhn-dey-I-tis]

Mondayitis [Muhn-dey-I-tis]
 -noun
a sickness striking it's victim on Monday morning, leaving them irrational, weapy and bone weary tired.  Victims tend to get cranky and refuse to leave the confines of their bed.  While this illness is not contagious, one should approach with caution!  On the bright side, this illness is rendered powerless on days where there is no school or work required.


We had a case of Mondayitis this morning.  Live-In #1 had it BAD!   I knew her pain...I have been known to have a case of Mondayitis in my past...but the mother in me told her to get up, get ready and take her Mondayitis to school to share with her friends instead of me. 

Thankfully for me...she eventually came downstairs with the sad 'Mondayitis' look on her face...so I coddled her, kissed her, hugged her and sent her off to school to spread cheer to the masses!

Happy Monday!!

Goodbye February

My Life (February 2011)

1. Started this Blog (and spent many nights...and days for that matter...dreaming about it)
2. Got New Pots, Pans & Pot Rack (yeah!!!)
3. Broke my Dyson vacuum cleaner
4. Donated Blood for the first time in 10 years
5. Tended Live-In #3's Smashed Thumb (smashed by none other than Live-In #2)
6. Had Lunch & a Movie with My Lover while the kids were in school (True Grit...enjoyed it)
7. Ran 6 Miles w/o stopping (in preparation for an upcoming 10k)
8. Attended A LOT of Basketball games/practices for Live-In #1, Live-In #2 & Live-In #3 (so glad the season is coming to an end!)
9. Preped for a 'Snow Day' that never really happened
10. Discovered Chipotle Mexican Grill (subsequently introduced Live-In #1 to said restaurant...Live-In #2 & Live-In #3 had no interest - they must be their fathers sons)

Such is a month in the course of my lifetime.  I wouldn't trade a day.  Happy to be the Lover of My Lover and the Mother of my Live-Ins.*

*Yes, this was written after a glass of wine washed the tension of the day away...   Wine really is the best medicine!